Shards

2nd is nowhere, 3rd is everywhere?

So Nintendo are taking a different approach to this upcoming generation of video game console hardware.

Whilst Sony and Microsoft duke it out in the battle of the 'flops' and bump maps, Nintendo has decided to occupy what some would call "3rd place". Personally, I disagree, if Nintendo get it right and produce an affordable console that features a healthy stock of good(!) games, then they could well win a position as the "second console".

Sure, most people are going to want to own one of either the 360 or PS3, how else are they going to show off to their mates that they've got the lushest graphics. But, with those two systems looking to occupy such a similar space, I'm left thinking that the number of people who will have the Revolution as their second system will be considerably greater than those who own both a 360 and a PS3. Especially when the revolution will offer access to Nintendo's much loved back catalogue and also probably provide a link between the DS and the online world.

So, not a victory, but I'd say that there'll be profit from coming 3rd...

Prince of franchise hell

And you thought it couldn't get any worse. After the selling out of our vulnerable and emotionally deep Prince to the unimaginative "dark hero" brigade in POP2, it seems that Ubi have really pushed the boat out with the upcoming POP3.

I defy you to watch this trailer and not to suffer from wracking convulsions of pain and disgust.

Where have all the interesting characters gone?

EGN joins the zombie horde

So EGN has gone the way of ECTS and Game Stars Live into a state of games show torpor. So what's left for the UK games jobber who's looking for an opportunity to schmooze with their fellow geeks?

First up to bat is the Women in Games 2005 conference on the 8th, 9th and 10th of August at the University of Aberay in Dundee. They have some interesting keynote speakers, and an overall theme that's definately of interest, but I'll be waiting to see what sort of talks and workshops will be on offer before I book that particular trip.

Next is the EIEF on the 11th and 12th of the same month, which sounds like it's styling itself as the logical alternative to EGN & GS Live. Not that this is a bad thing, and some of the elements of the announced conference programme definately pique my interest.

Finally (it seems), there is GDCE, seemingly at a new location, between30th August and 1st Sepember. This is the last bastion of the traditional UK summer games conferences, and I'll be interested to see what they've got planned when their info goes live on 6th June.

I'll admit to ignorance of any other similar events on continental Europe, but even so, these three have a good deal to prove in their role as leading lights of the UK games development calendar.

Masters of the preview movie

Sometimes, a games company will release a preview movie that will pique my interest in their title. This time, however, Lionhead have got me almost drooling over their "The Movies" title. Every trailer and details I've seen and heard about the game just makes it sounds like a perfect playground.

The latest trailers are here

"What do you mean I've got to wait till the Fall?!?!"